Savvy home builders and architects are increasingly using outdoor living space as a key element in standing out from the competition. An over­whelming majority of Professional Builder readers and members of Builder Partnerships, in Littleton, Colorado, who also contributed to this survey, indicate that buyer demand for outdoor living features has increased, and creating an area for relaxing, cooking, and entertaining under the sun or in the shade is a key component of selling new homes.

How builders and architects cater to this demand varies by ZIP code and price point. A Maryland builder of entry-level homes markets his company’s outdoor offerings with models displaying hardscapes and fire pits. Courtyards are the differentiator for a Colorado builder who targets active-adult buyers, while a Florida production home builder writes, “We offer a variety of outdoor living packages that fit every buyer’s needs.” More outdoor living insights are provided in the charts that follow.

• “Just showing outdoor activity space (to clients) creates an image of living there,” an Indiana custom home builder wrote.
• A Texas production home builder said that move-up buyers want outdoor living space, which most of the available resale homes don’t have.
• A Georgia custom home builder added that paying attention to outdoor amenities “extends the visual perception of additional living area that works in a temperate climate like Atlanta.”
• A Colorado custom home builder shared that his company built four models focused on outdoor living space during 2009/10 and the designs and features displayed have been successful in drawing customers ever since.

METHODOLOGY AND RESPONDENT INFORMATION: This survey was distributed between Feb. 22, 2017, and March 13, 2017, to a random sample of Professional Builder’s print and digital readers and to members of Builder Partnerships. No incentive was offered. By closing date, a total of 98 eligible readers had returned surveys. Respondent breakdown by discipline: 26.8% custom home builder; 17.5% architect/designer engaged in home building; 16.5% diversified builder/remodeler; 11.3% production builder for move-up/move-down buyers; 5.3% luxury production builder; 4.1% production builder for first-time buyers; 4.1% multifamily; 1.0% manufactured, modular, log home, or systems builder; and 13.4% other. Approximately 45% of respondents sold one to five homes in 2016, and 15% sold more than 100 units.

A majority of builders and architects say that an attractive outdoor living space helps to sell their houses.

Half of survey respondents who stated that demand for outdoor living features has increased attribute the surge to clients wanting an inviting space in which to relax and entertain. A Virginia production builder noted that downsizing the house leaves more money for the outdoor-living budget.

A Missouri builder/remodeler wrote that some clients intend to eventually convert outdoor space to a closed space for all seasons, and other participants credited outdoor living’s popularity to HGTV, and fitness awareness carrying over into outdoor activity.

Lawns, decks, lighting, and professional landscaping are the most popular amenities that survey respondents say they include with the base price of a home. The top 10 standard features were similar to last year’s results.

Fire pit/fireplace emerged as the upgrade offered by most builders, beating out sunroom/screened porch and audio/video systems, which were the top two options in the 2016 poll.

A new item included in this year’s survey, decorative stamped/stained concrete patio, debuts as a top-three item for outdoor living upgrades.

The most popular items that aren’t standard or a typical upgrade but are provided if the client asks are: pergola, arbor, loggia, and other outdoor structures, followed by outdoor heaters and outdoor recreation areas such as a pool or tennis court.

A Pennsylvania builder/remodeler writes that his company is tracking customer requests for outdoor living options and will incorporate the most common requests as a trend or pattern is perceived.

A Texas custom home builder wants to add large openings with folding doors and remote-controlled screens that close like a garage door to keep the bugs out during the evening. “There don’t seem to be a lot of vendors for this,” he wrote. Other features that survey respondents intend to add are outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and outdoor seating walls.

More builders and architects, compared with 36.4% last year, said their outdoor living packages helped them stand out in their markets. The great outdoors is a niche for survey respondents to shine, as many noted that the competition is not very active in that arena.

BASE: 98; professional builder 2017 outdoor living survey.